Wiper Mechanism Ball Joints

[Guest Porker]

I have an Alhambra TDI which has just had the ball joint on the wiper mechanism come apart. Basically it just falls apart and has only moderate force to put it together.

 

Searching around I found an old post on the Sharan Owners Site from someone who had repaired theirs using a self tapping screw. I can't quite fathom how he did this but I assume by drilling through the socket into the ball. Does anyone know

 

(a) whether this seems feasible as I believe the parts cost over

[Guest reefer]

I had the same thing happen on my 96 TDi.

 

I removed the ball from the rod, drilled and tapped the metal ball. Drilled a clearance hole in the Black plastic cup. Reassembled the the ball and cup, with a small amount of grease, used some locktight on the bolt (M6 if I remember right) then fitted the bolt,with a washer, not to tight to allow the ball joint to move OK.

This has lasted for a couple of years and no signs of wear so far.

[Guest Porker]

Thanks for that. I had pretty much guessed that would be the way but it is worth knowing it has worked for someone else before trying myself. The tapped hole sounds a better solution than the self tapper screw.

 

A job for this weekend I think.

 

Thanks again

 

Matt